Bauma Blasts #1 (Komatsu)

Over the coming days here on the Digger Man Blog we will be taking a look back at some of my highlights of what was another amazing Bauma Trade Fair in Munich.

Komatsu had a significant presence at Bauma, and once again took the title for having the largest machine at the show, as they displayed the 700-tonne class PC7000-11E electric powered hydraulic excavator which was shown in backhoe configuration.

Fitted with a 44m³ heavy duty bucket the PC7000-11E can be perfectly matched with the Komatsu mining truck range from 730E up to 980E. This gigantic machine was quite literally the big draw for the crowds during the regular demo shows put on by Komatsu during the show.

For most of us, this is often the only chance we get to see such enormous excavators, as by their very nature, they are usually working in vast mines in remote areas for the world away from view, so to see one in the Messe Munchen exhibition centre is always a real treat.

The other highlight was the reveal of the all-new and long-awaited Dash-12 hydraulic excavator range, starting with the PC220LCi-12.

The machine features an all -new powerful 129kW high torque Komatsu next generation engine, which is paired with the new high efficiency electronically controlled hydraulic system, translating to an 18% reduction in average fuel consumption, which Komatsu say will save customers approximately 2.1 litres per hour compared to the outgoing Dash-11 model.

The new hydraulic system, combined with large-class hydraulic cylinders, and high-capacity hydraulic pumps, delivers an 7% increase in arm and bucket forces, allowing for easier digging and material movement, ultimately reducing your cost per tonne.

The advanced hydraulic system translates to razor-sharp reflexes and zero-lag response to the operators’ input, creating an intuitive connection where the machine and driver become one.  

The all-new cab design looks like a decent place to spend your days, with 30% more legroom and an all-new premium seat option which ensures that operators can work in absolute comfort. 50% increase in lower right-hand side visibility, overhead cooling vents, joystick steering as standard, and numerous storage spaces are located around the cab.

As has become common these days a high definition 8-inch touchscreen monitor is fitted, providing intuitive control and easy information access. Moreover, the machine features ultra-versatile, programmable super-ergonomic electronic control levers and fully customisable hydraulic settings that together allow operators to tailor the machine to their specific needs.

I am already looking forward to spending some time in the seat of one of these new machines when they become available for a full report in Earthmovers Magazine.